There was laughter, shock and whispers inside City Hall after newly sworn-in Kampala Lord Mayor Ronald Balimwezo Nsubuga reportedly refused to use the current mayoral chair during his first days in office.
Balimwezo, who officially took over leadership of Kampala this week, is said to have told officials that the chair looked outdated and no longer fit for the image of a modern capital city.
Sources around City Hall say the new Lord Mayor was stunned after learning the chair has allegedly been in use for close to 50 years.
And he did not hide his frustration.
The youthful city boss reportedly questioned how Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) could continue using furniture that dates back decades while the city is trying to project a modern image to investors, tourists and residents.
The moment immediately sparked reactions among staff and political insiders, with some laughing off the complaint while others quietly agreed that several offices at City Hall still carry “old Kampala” vibes.
Balimwezo, who recently defeated longtime political giant Erias Lukwago in the heated Lord Mayor race, has been trying to stamp authority and signal a new era at City Hall.
Insiders say the chair issue may look small, but it reflects a bigger message from the new administration — that Kampala’s leadership wants change not just in speeches, but also in image, systems and standards.
The former Nakawa East MP has already promised to focus on accountability, cleaner streets, traffic control and improving service delivery in the capital.
Now, it seems even the furniture is not surviving the new broom sweeping through City Hall.